Eight Essential Bathroom Remodeling Tips
Plush towels, heated flooring, and soft ambient lighting – now that’s a bathroom you want to relax in. Since you’re in Grand Rapids, where housing expenses are way lower than the national average, nothing stands between you and that stress-busting, steamy shower.
So, what’s holding you back from swishing your renovate-to-wow wand on your bathroom? Is it the dollar bills?
We are happy to tell you that a small bathroom can get a magical facelift for an average of $6,000 in Grand Rapids, MI. But if you keep it minimal with just the essential replacements, you can have a stunning bathroom for just $2,200.
Let’s look at some essential remodeling tips to get your creative juices bubbling.
1. Plan a Layout
Bathrooms have limited floor space, which is one reason they are cheaper to upgrade than kitchens. So, if you don’t want to bump into each other (and the counter) while brushing your teeth on an I’m-late-for-work-again type of morning, you need to maximize the use of space you have.
Therefore, a smart layout with adequate space for all must-haves should be the basis of your bathroom remodeling project. Double-check your needs and priorities before spending on anything.
Do you want a double sink or a luxurious shower spa? List them all down. A trusted Grand Rapids bathroom remodeling company can take the burden of planning a bathroom layout off your shoulder.
Ask if they do 3D designs; they’re a lifesaver.
2. Fix Your Budget
There’s no dead-end street to bathroom upgrade ideas, so it is easy for the budget to take a backseat. Although you’ll have a dreamy bathroom, your dried-up bank account won’t make it a pleasant experience.
Therefore, keep your budget right before you while making any decision. If heated flooring and marble countertops with golden accents don’t fit your budget, don’t be tempted by them.
You can download a bathroom planning guide online to estimate how much money you should save for each step.
3. Bathroom-Proof Your Materials
Grand Rapids has an extreme climate with chilly winters, damp springs, and heat-wave-laden summers. Therefore, when picking materials for your bathroom remodel, you must ensure they can withstand the varying temperatures and humidity levels.
You don’t want to have a leaky ceiling or a slippery floor right after you’ve done all the work.
Go with engineered products like laminate, natural stone tile (porcelain is excellent, too), and luxury vinyl for your bathroom. These materials have been designed to withstand moisture while still looking beautiful.
If installing a bathtub, go for fiberglass instead of cast iron tubs. Not only are they lightweight, but they also look stunningly modern.
4. Pick the Right Type of Paint
Peeling bathroom wall paint and mildew are two things homeowners dread. Do you know what causes these two icky situations? The wrong paint type. Flat, eggshell, and matte finishes are a complete no-no.
They soak in moisture better than sponges, leaving you with half-nude walls.
Satin is one of the best picks because it’s shiny and durable. You’ll also realize how easy it is to clean when you’re stuck with scrubbing the walls.
Another paint type that works well in bathrooms is semi-gloss. It’s tougher than satin, and cleaning it is a breeze. You’ll need a bucket full of water with some dish soap and your trusty sponge.
5. Don’t Mess with the Color Palette
The one thing that can make a tiny bathroom feel larger is the color you paint it in. Stick to brighter colors for a bigger bathroom vibe. The white-or-light spectrum will save the day, any day.
Choose the same shade for your tiles, fixtures, countertops, vanity units, and cabinetry for a cohesive and timeless look. They’ll all “disappear” when painted in the same hues, giving an enhanced look.
Beiges and greys always look decent, while white-on-white is timeless.
If you’re working with a bigger space, you don’t have to limit yourself. Don’t color your ceiling dark; it’ll feel like it’s closing in on you.
6. Get Those Mirrors
Most bathrooms feature just one mirror above the sink. But trust us; two don’t hurt. In fact, they’ll only make your bathroom feel bigger. They’ll also reflect more light, cutting down on the use of electricity.
A mirror feature wall is like a breath of fresh air for smaller bathrooms. You can experiment with the designs, from back-lit mirrors to bold-colored framed mirrors. Just make sure you’re using tempered glass. It resists temperature changes better. If you have the budget for it, installing a heating pad behind the mirror will ensure you never have to look at your misty image after a relaxing shower.
7. Track Lighting, Please!
Lighting is the key to making any space look bigger. If possible, skip the recessed lights and install track lighting instead. They can go anywhere on ceilings or along walls, giving you more control over the lights when you’re getting ready for a night out.
Ambient lighting (like cove lighting) will give your bathroom that soft, gentle look while emphasizing height and depth. Place them strategically above the ceiling to make them appear higher. Wall sconces on either side of the mirror will give your bathroom a quick jazz-up.
Finally, adding a dimmer switch to the lighting circuit is like giving yourself a treat. A gentle light setting can be just what you need when taking a leisurely bath or lighting scented candles.
When it comes to picking the right bulbs for your bathroom, the color rendering index (CRI) will have your back.
8. Don’t Forget About Bathroom Ventilation
Poor airflow can take away your bathroom’s spa-like feel. A bathroom with a ventilation problem feels mustier. It also has mildew-stained walls and foggy mirrors.
So, it’s not an understatement that you’ll always feel “sticky” even after showering with your favorite shower gel.
There are a few ways you can improve the ventilation in your bathroom. One obvious way is to install an exhaust fan. Always check the exhaust capacity and noise level before purchasing one.
Here are some more ideas for addressing this airflow pain point:
- Install louvered doors
- Use dehumidifiers
- Get a window fan
- Install towel bars
Final Note
A bathroom remodel is like any other home improvement project; it needs time and effort to get it right.
You’ll need patience and a good budgeting plan. We recommend starting as early as possible. It’ll allow you time to deal with the hiccups that might get in the way.
Also, please leave the electricity and water tasks to the professionals. You don’t want to be electrocuted or flooded only to save some bucks.
